Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate

PHARMACOLOGY & ACTIONS

• Improves lung function and myocardial performance.

• Stabilization of lysosomal and cell membranes, inhibition of compliment-induced granulocyte aggregation.

• Rightward shift in oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve.

• Inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene production, increase in surfactant production, decrease in pulmonary edema, relaxation of bronchospasm.

INDICATIONS

• Reactive airway disease: Acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

• Anaphylaxis.

ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Systemic fungal infections.

• Preterm infants.

• Dexamethasone allergy.

PRECAUTIONS & SIDE EFFECTS

• If given IV should be given as slow IV push.

• Sodium retention, fluid retention, potassium loss, hypokalemic alkalosis, hypertension, convulsions,

hyperglycemia, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction.

ADMINISTRATION

IV/IM

Onset:

4─8 hours

Peak Effect:

6─12 hours

Duration:

24─72 hours

GUIDELINES CONTAINING DEXAMETHASONE

• Bronchospasm (due to Asthma and Obstructive Lung Disease): Adult & Pediatric

• Pediatric Stridor (e.g., Croup)